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You can record and mix polished vocals on BandLab by adding a Voice track, capturing several clean takes with wired earbuds, and then shaping them with AutoPitch, EQ, DeEsser, compression, delay and reverb.
Most of this chain is free. However, Voice Cleaner and Visual EQ need a Pro or Max plan. BandLab’s own vocal-production guide recommends input levels between -12 dB and -6 dB and a compression ratio of 3:1 to 5:1. Both settings are easy to hit on a phone.
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Key Takeaways
- Record with wired earbuds or a wired mic. Bluetooth adds latency.
- Keep input levels between -12 dB and -6 dB to avoid clipping.
- Record multiple takes, then comp the best lines into one.
- Use free Denoise for hum. Voice Cleaner (Pro/Max) for traffic, birds and echo.
- Build your lead chain – AutoPitch → EQ → DeEsser → compression → delay → reverb.
- Mix backing vocals lower, wider, with more reverb and less delay than the lead.
- Save your chain as a preset for consistent sound across songs.
Quick Steps
1: What is the primary goal of SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?
- Open BandLab, tap “+”
- Create a project and add a Voice track
- Set the BPM and key, and then plug in wired earbuds
- Record three to five takes
- Clean up the best one
- Then apply your vocal chain and balance the backing vocals
- Check the mix on phone speakers and export
That is the whole loop, and the sections below explain each step.
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Explore CourseSet Up Your Phone Before You Record
Good vocals start before you press the red button. Spend five minutes on this checklist.
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Update the app and log in
This enables you to save your projects to the cloud.
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Allow microphone access
On iOS, check Settings > Privacy > MicrophoneOn Android, accept the permission prompt.
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Silence interruptions
Switch on Do Not Disturb so calls and notifications don’t ruin a great take.
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Use wired headphones
BandLab recommends a wired earpiece with a built-in mic because wireless options can introduce latency.
Choose Your Mic: Budget Options
| Budget | Gear | Why It Works |
| Low | Wired earbuds with inline mic | Fine for demos and lets you hear the beat while singing |
| Mid | USB-C or Lightning condenser mic | More detail and less room noise |
| Pro | Audio interface with an XLR mic and pop filter | Full control over gain and tone |
Mic technique matters more than gear
Test a few distances, as too close can cause distortion and too far picks up room noise. A common starting point is about a fist’s distance, angled slightly off-axis to soften “p” and “b” sounds.
Your room matters too
Hard surfaces create echo, while soft spaces absorb it. BandLab suggests a closet full of clothes. If you live in a small flat or hostel room, blankets and pillows around you do the same job.
How to Record Vocals on BandLab
1. Create the project and set tempo and key
- Tap “+”, create a project and add a Voice track.
- Open the project settings to set the BPM and key.
This matters because AutoPitch and delay both depend on these settings to work properly.
2. Set your input gain
- Sing your loudest line and watch the meter.
- BandLab’s guide says input gain should sit between -12 dB and -6 dB.
- Turn it down if you see red.
3. Record multiple takes with Takes
- Add a Voice or Audio track.
- Then create a Cycle area by tapping the red bar on the Time Ruler.
- Press record and sing the section several times.
Afterwards, pick the best parts of each take and merge them into one performance. This is called comping. It is how professionals build flawless vocals.
4. Clean up the recording
BandLab offers two noise tools.
| Feature | Best For | Plan |
| Denoise | Steady noise like fan buzz and electrical hum | Free |
| Voice Cleaner | Traffic, birds, echo and uneven room sound | Pro/Max |
Voice Cleaner has three functions:
- Noise Remover
- AutoEQ
- DeReverb
Always compare before and after. This is because heavy cleanup can make a vocal sound thin.
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Explore CourseHow to Mix Lead Vocals on BandLab
Before mixing, double-check your BPM and key. Then build your lead chain in this order.
AutoPitch
Use a gentle correction for a natural sound, or push it further for a modern tuned effect. Tap AutoDetect if you’re unsure of the key. Free users get six effects:
- Classic
- Modern Rap
- Big Harmony
- Duet
- Robot and Simulacrum
Pro and Max unlock all 24.
EQ
Roll off everything below 100 Hz to cut muddiness and lift the mids slightly for clarity. Then add a touch of high-end brightness. Visual EQ (Pro/Max) shows your changes in real time. Graphic EQ (free) does the job as well. BandLab’s Visual EQ guide suggests a small boost near 6.4 kHz for presence.
DeEsser
If “s” sounds are harsh, start with -5 to -10 dB of reduction and adjust to taste.
Compression
The TecLab BA-2A works well. Set it to Compress mode and adjust Gain and Squeeze until the vocal feels steady. If you use a standard compressor instead, aim for a 3:1 to 5:1 ratio and roughly 3 to 6 dB of gain reduction.
Delay
Add a subtle quarter-note D-Delay with 100% spread and keep the mix low.
Reverb
Use Studio Reverb to choose an intimate or spacious feel. Keep brightness around 80% so the vocal stays crisp.
How to Mix Backing Vocals
Backing vocals should support the lead without crowding it. Start from your lead preset for each one and adjust as shown below.
| Vocal Type | EQ | Delay | Reverb | Pan | Level |
| Doubles | Cut some highs | 8th-note | About 30% | Hard left and right | Slightly below lead |
| Harmonies | Similar to doubles | Off | About 40% | Different percentages each | Below lead |
| Ad-libs | Carve a unique EQ space | Off | Higher for atmosphere | Flexible | Kept controlled |
Removing delay on harmonies and ad-libs prevents muddiness. Different pan positions give each part its own spot in the stereo field.
Finish Strong: Automation, Presets and Export
- Automate volume
Raise quiet phrases and lower loud peaks so the vocal cuts through without overpowering the beat.
- Automate effects
Brighten choruses with EQ, or build reverb in emotional moments.
- Try newer tools
BandLab’s One Knob effects (Brighter, Echo, Punchy and Room) and Vocal Verb speed up mixing for Pro and Max users.
- Save a preset
Once your chain sounds right, save it. Name it clearly so you can reuse it on the next song.
- Check on phone speakers and earbuds
Most listeners will hear your song this way.
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Common Vocal Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
| Muddy vocal | Too much low-mid energy | Roll off below 100 Hz and lower the reverb mix |
| Harsh “s” sounds | Bright mic or no de-essing | Add DeEsser at -5 to -10 dB |
| Uneven volume | No compression | Add a compressor and adjust Gain and Squeeze |
| Vocal buried in mix | Beat too loud | Lower instruments before raising the vocal |
| Echoey sound | Reflective room | Use DeReverb, then re-record in a softer space |
| Off-pitch notes | Wrong key or AutoPitch off | Set the key or use AutoDetect |
Conclusion
Recording and mixing vocals on BandLab does not need a studio. It needs a quiet corner, wired earbuds, healthy input levels, a few good takes and a simple chain of AutoPitch, EQ, DeEsser, compression, delay and reverb.
Start with the free tools and learn what each one does to your voice. Add Pro or Max features only when you need them. Record one song this week, save your preset, and improve it on the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I record professional-sounding vocals on BandLab using only my phone?
Yes. With wired earbuds, a quiet room and healthy input levels, you can capture clean takes and polish them with BandLab’s built-in effects.
Why should I use wired headphones instead of Bluetooth?
Wireless options can add latency, which throws off your timing. Wired earbuds give a more direct and stable signal.
How do I record multiple takes on BandLab?
Add a Voice track and create a Cycle area by tapping the red bar on the Time Ruler. Record several passes, then merge the best parts using the Takes tool.
What order should vocal effects go in?
A reliable order is AutoPitch, EQ, DeEsser, compression, delay and then reverb. Adding time-based effects last keeps them from muddying the vocal.
Is Visual EQ free on BandLab?
Visual EQ is a Pro/Max feature. Free users can shape their vocals with Graphic EQ instead.
How do I keep my vocal sound consistent across songs?
Save your finished effects chain as a custom preset. You can then apply it to future projects in a few taps.
How should I check my mix before exporting?
Listen on phone speakers and earbuds, since that is how most people will hear it. If the vocal disappears, lower the instruments before raising the vocal.
Do I need a paid plan to mix vocals on BandLab?
No. Free tools like Denoise, Graphic EQ, DeEsser, compression, delay, reverb and six AutoPitch effects cover a full mix, and Pro or Max simply adds extras.
